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| Gareth Southgate, head coach of England during Italy against England, Nations League, at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 23, 2022. |
Gareth Southgate insists he remains “the right person” to lead England into this year’s World Cup in Qatar, despite increased scrutiny after a disappointing Nations League campaign.
England have been relegated from the Nations League top tier after a five-match winless run in which they lost twice to Hungary — including 4-0 at home — and failed to score a goal in open play.
The crowd turned on Southgate after that Wembley shock in June, and there were boos again from visiting fans after the 1-0 defeat to Italy on Friday.
But the manager who led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and then the Euro 2020 final last summer is adamant that “stability” ahead of the tournament is in England’s best interests.
“I think I’m the right person to take the team into the tournament,” said Southgate.
“I think it’s more stable that way, without a doubt.
“I don’t think (the) performance (against Italy) was far off and I know that’s going to get derision just because we’re on the back of a run of defeats.”
